As the Philadelphia 76ers prepare for the Feb. 8 trade deadline, they have to get their affairs in order. The Sixers are still looking to make that next step in the Eastern Conference so President of Basketball Operations Daryl Morey wants to make the right move that puts his team in a position to win.
Due to the James Harden trade from October, Philadelphia has assets, such as expiring contracts and draft picks, it can use to make a move at the deadline.
One of those expiring contracts is fourth-year forward KJ Martin, who is an athletic player who can do many different things on the floor. The athletic forward is on an expiring deal and he would be able to help plenty of teams who require somebody of his ability.
A perfect example is the Phoenix Suns. Bleacher Report’s Chris Haynes reports that the Suns have expressed exploratory interest in acquiring Martin:
The Phoenix Suns are looking for an athletic 4. Some type of athletic wing. They don’t want to bring in anybody that’s going to dominate the ball. They feel like they have enough guys who need the ball in their hands. Sources informed me that the Phoenix Suns have reached out to the Philadelphia 76ers about Kenyon Martin Jr. Right now, exploratory talks, but I do expect things to, I don’t know about pick up, but I expect talks to continue.
In 27 games with the Sixers, Martin is averaging 2.0 points and 0.8 rebounds and shooting 51.1% from the floor in 7.2 minutes per game. He can defend multiple positions, drive to the basket, shoot the ball, and move off the ball to get easy baskets. That is what the Suns need so he is an attractive piece for them at the deadline.
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